Please note: the following is a replication of a historical document and does not refer to an existing program or location. The Open Mic that met monthly at Masthouse is now a weekly event on Zoom, Every Saturday Virtual Open Mic. You are invited to join us! Get the link and followup videos by signing up for the Off Square Music email list, right column of this site.
Masthouse was important in the formation of Off Square Music, providing a home for the music community that in 2003 became Off Square Music. On a recent office- and desk-cleaning mission, Off Square Music President, Laurel Palma, found an old Masthouse flyer. Enjoy this facsimile of the original flyer prepared for the web:
Welcome to Masthouse
Folk music, Storytelling, and Singalongs
Continuing the tradition…
The House That Junque Built
Don and Eunice Mast bought this house in 1975 when they left a Christian commune in Evanston, Illinois which they had helped to establish. The original house was built in the 1890s. The transformation of the house to what it is today is a testimony to the art of recycling — and to having a knack for creating something out of nothing.
Inch by Inch, Row by Row, Piece by Piece
The music room was added on to the original house. This room demonstrates recycling at its best. It is constructed from an assortment of throw-outs from other people’s homes and other places.
- The glass door and windows came from the old McNeil’s Restaurant that used to stand where the present train station parking lot is now located;
- the fireplace is built from stones scrounged from nearby farm fields;
- the boards on the west wall and on the floor of the loft are from the walk-in coolers in McNeil’s Restaurant;
- the posts and beams came from a barn in Walworth that was destroyed by the ’79 blizzard and the beautiful church arch was found hidden under the snow and shingles – the arch was once part of the Congregational Church in Walworth;
- the railings at the stage and stairs came from the same barn, the cedar siding used in the ceiling came from a sale – the painted side is turned up; the curtains tacked to the ceiling over the stage came from a friend;
- the siding on the south and northeast walls was discarded by Wiens Department Store when they remodeled;
- the hardwood dance floor came from the gym in Huntley High School after snow had damaged the roof and floor;
- the bay windows were donated by the Gitlins;
- and the piano was traded for a guitar from one of Eunice’s students.
Outside Has Its Own Gifts & Memories
If you step outside you will notice the two guest houses. These were made by the JCCs in Woodstock and originally served as Santa’s houses on the Square and then as Christmas tree sales offices at the old Hornsby’s in Woodstock.
Masthouse provides a unique forum where participants can grow in experience and skill; where music, art, and community come together in an atmosphere of encouragement, acceptance, and diversity.
Masthouse Traditions
If you’re here for the first time, WELCOME! This is a private home, and you are guests of the people who live here, so please respect their home. Here are a few helpful things to know to make your visit enjoyable…
- We ask for a $3.00 donation at the door to cover our expenses. If this is too much for you, please give what you can.
- Feel free to go downstairs for conversation and refreshments. All snacks brought for the “Sharing Table” are very much appreciated.
- Please be aware that talking in the music room is distracting to the performers. Sometimes noise carries from the other rooms also, so keep talking to low levels.
- If you wish to perform, you should call 1-708-836-MAST sometime during the month before the program – the sooner the better!
- High school students invited.
- Masthouse is a smoke-free, non-alcohol venue. Our message is love.
Enjoy yourself and come back again on the first Saturday of every month.
MASTHOUSE
528 E. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois
Please note: the above is a replication of a historical document and does not refer to an existing program or location. The Open Mic that met monthly at Masthouse is now a weekly event on Zoom, Every Saturday Virtual Open Mic. You are invited to join us! Get the link and followup videos by signing up for the Off Square Music email list, right column of this site.
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